Game Day 2011 - R9 Western Bulldogs vs WCE

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Sunday afternoon game against WCE at Patersons Stadium.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 4 points
BOG : Matthew Boyd
Lindsay Gilbee to kick the first goal.

[bornadog]

Dogs by 19

BOG Griffen

First Goal Grant

[w3design]

Dogs by 14
B.O.G WARD
First goal Minson

[JohnGentStand]

doggies by 1point
BOG Will Minson
1st goal Le Craw ( followed quickly by griff )

[Doggy]

Dogs by 13 points

Liberatore Best

Higgins first goal

[angelopetraglia]

Dogs by 22.

First goal Grant.

BOG Griffo.

[the banker]

Dogs by 22

BOG Boyd

First Goal Gilbee

[SlimPickens]

Dogs 9pts

BOG- Ward

First Goal- Minson

[Greystache]

Dogs by 6 points
BOG- Griffen
First goal- Minson

[AndrewP6]

Not sure what to feel with this one actually. Some good ins for us, Weagles tough over there...

Dogs by 7 pts
BOG Griff
First goal Jones

[jasopan]

Dogs by 37
BoG - Boyd
First goal Higgins

[Daughter of the West]

I'm not sure where my gut is going with this one...and my partner barracks for West Coast so I hope that we win just to escape a ribbing!

Dogs by 2 in a nail biter
BOG Griff
First goal Minson

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 19 points

BOG Griff

Jones 1st Goal

[LostDoggy]

Tough one over there but:

Dogs by 5 points
BOG = Ward
First Goal = Griffen

[Go_Dogs]

Dogs by 37.
First goal Jones
BOG Murphy

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Dogs by 27 points,
First goal Gia
BOG Boyd

[LostDoggy]

WCE by 9
First goal Kennedy
BOG Embley

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 3
BOG: Sherman
FG: Sherman

[Flamethrower]

Doggies by 5 points

1st goal: Liam Jones

Best: Matty Boyd

[Happy Days]

Eagles by 20
First goal Higgins
BOG Ward

[Twodogs]

Dogs by 26

BOG Ward

First Goal Liberatore

[Go_Dogs]

First 2 goals to WC, not a good start.

[comrade]

First 2 goals to WC, not a good start.

Tom Williams had nightmarish two minutes.

[comrade]

This is a rubbish start. Disposal terrible, decision making terrible. Structure terrible.

It could be a long day. We need a settler.

[GVGjr]

They are all over us. Not good signs so early in the game.

[ledge]

Signs are terrible we look uninterested and are going to get smashed

[Go_Dogs]

It could be a long day. We need a settler.

Looks like it.

[The Coon Dog]

Any chance we can hit a target?

[comrade]

Why has every other team's defensive pressure and intent increased over the pre-season and ours hasn't?

[AndrewP6]

So last week wasn't a true indicator of what we can do....

[comrade]

Huddo getting destroyed.

[ledge]

10 minutes in and this is disgusting

[comrade]

Gia was too slow. Too much clean ball going in to their 50 is killing our defensive group.

[The Pie Man]

Horror show - Gia slow to react, Grant not even trying to tackle. No sense of urgency

[comrade]

The crowd is so quiet, it's like their amazed how shit we are.

[AndrewP6]

WC can fumble, run 5 metres to pick up the ball, and STILL NO BULLDOGS near them... shocking.

[AndrewP6]

Ward not looking like repeating his effort of last week.

[AndrewP6]

Not prepared or able to work hard enough.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Looks like someones slipped us a mogadon into the players water bottles.
Game if not already done, could've been had've West Coast kicked straighter.

[LostDoggy]

Wow.

[MrMahatma]

We can't handle pressure.

Simple.

[Go_Dogs]

That helps, we're not out of this yet.

[comrade]

Put a Bulldogs jumper on those pigeons.

[comrade]

FFS, how lazy are we.

[AndrewP6]

Embarrassing. Kennedy could finish with 10 goals, and most of it standing by himself.

[LostDoggy]

The crowd is so quiet, it's like their amazed how shit we are.

ha spot on

[Go_Dogs]

Kennedy's last goal didn't help. The positive is, we aren't as far behind as we probably deserve to be.

Still, going to be a big ask to come back from here.

[LostDoggy]

We can't handle pressure.

Simple.


We haven't even turned up to find out if we can handle it or not.

[ledge]

game over

[Happy Days]

Hudson is getting absolutely decimated.

[comrade]

Huddo is the worst possible match up against WC. He's getting dominated in the ruck contests and our mids aren't prepared to defend.

[ReLoad]

Sigh.

Tackles that will not stick.

I feel so bad for our backline, the rate and speed which the ball gets in there.
How on earth can we make our midfield accountable?

Yes we are not winning a ruck tap but boy boy, things are not good!

[LostDoggy]

Its going to take some hard work to get back on equal terms after that first quarter , just have to cut off the ball supply in the middle

.

[comrade]

21 hitouts to 4 :eek:

A fair chunk of those have been effective, too.

Kennedy will kick 10 on Williams. He's always matched up well on him.

[AndrewP6]

Most teams get a lift with three players back in their side. Us, well, not so much.

[MrMahatma]

Williams having a shocker.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Williams is getting a bath on Kennedy. What other options have we got. Markovic too slow for Kennedy?

[comrade]

Great tackle and goal, Stacky.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Excellent work by Stack with the tackle and quality finish.

[AndrewP6]

Stack redeems himself partly with a great tackle and converting the goal.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

That's our best passage of play so far. Great pressure causes the turnover and then good kicks by Guido and then Jones to score.

[LostDoggy]

Please swap Williams and Morris

[comrade]

Is Gia the slowest guy in the AFL?

Twice he fumbled and killed our forward momentum.

[comrade]

Their ability to take strong marks on the wing is opening us up. We need to kill those contests.

[comrade]

Shaggy :o

[AndrewP6]

This is almost unprofessional. Kick-in running over the line? Amateur hour.

[LostDoggy]

We are crap but the frees against are bad

[LostDoggy]

Is Gia the slowest guy in the AFL?

Twice he fumbled and killed our forward momentum.

He's never been fast but at least he used to make quick, good decisions.

[LostDoggy]

Is Gia the slowest guy in the AFL?

Twice he fumbled and killed our forward momentum.

I usually back Gia up but he is very sloppy today.

[LostDoggy]

If Gia fumbles then he looks slow

[JohnGentStand]

any chance of playing like we believe in ourselves?

[comrade]

If Gia fumbles then he looks slow

Gia is always slow. If he fumbles, the contest is over.

[LostDoggy]

Gilbee that was crap

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Just some embarrassing play in the last minute at either end of the ground.

[comrade]

Higgins misses a soda.

[LostDoggy]

Two golden opportunities wasted.

[MrMahatma]

Gia is always slow. If he fumbles, the contest is over.
Gia needs to stay inside 50 so he can just use his skills.

[comrade]

What's with the niggle?

[AndrewP6]

What's with the niggle?

I guess we've gotta try something.

[comrade]

Just about game over.

This is an exact replay of the Essendon game. Great to see we've learnt from that experience.

[LostDoggy]

What's with the niggle?

worked against the tigers wont work today

[comrade]

I guess we've gotta try something.

Winning the ball and using it well would be my preferred strategy.

[LostDoggy]

I guess we've gotta try something.

I'm glad to see some intensity there.

[AndrewP6]

Sad that the most interesting aspect of this garbage is the pigeons who refuse to leave the ground.

[MrMahatma]

I guess we've gotta try something.
Huddo just keeps giving away frees.

[AndrewP6]

I'm glad to see some intensity there.

It's not there in any other aspect of the game.

[LostDoggy]

I guess we've gotta try something.

Yes, we have been more aggressive, tackles are starting to stick but it's going to be hard to come back when you give them a 5 goal start , after HT some of the guys will have 3rd degree burns from the bake

.

[MrMahatma]

Huddo just keeps giving away frees.
Higgins - poooooooooor effort

[comrade]

How composed is Libba.

[AndrewP6]

I don't even know if I can muster the energy to be p***ed off about this. Good thing I'm going out for dinner soon.

[LostDoggy]

Libba goals, we needed that, we look slow. Gia is the most over rated player in our side

[AndrewP6]

Libba goals, we needed that, we look slow. Gia is the most over rated player in our side

Higgins the heir apparent.

[LostDoggy]

MissingLlake down back, getting killed by Kennedy, midfield isnt running hard enough. I am not convinced Rocket has them in the right head space.

[LostDoggy]

Agree Andrew, he aint far behind!!!

[Go_Dogs]

Too many players who can't get involved when the game isn't going our way.

Have we stuffed up by bringing 3 players straight back in this week?

[Prince Imperial]

Some strong marks from Jones is the ONLY thing of any positive note from the this half :mad:

[comrade]

Some strong marks from Jones is the ONLY thing of any positive note from the this half :mad:

Libba's 13 touches and nice goal is probably the only other.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Posters keep suggesting Lake shouldn't play due to form and fitness, and yet we play Higgins (missed 4 or so games?) and Williams (couldn't win a contest if he was the only one in it).

Grant is giving us nothing. Absoutely nothing.

Jones is presenting well and marking and kicking well. However, he's a 1 man forward line at the moment.

This side really is bad.

[KT31]

Too many players who can't get involved when the game isn't going our way.

Have we stuffed up by bringing 3 players straight back in this week?

One would have been nice in Lake.
Kennedy would not be even close to six if Brian was even half right.

[Prince Imperial]

Just 8 disposals from Ward and Gilbee the two best players last week...:confused:

[Greystache]

Just about game over.

This is an exact replay of the Essendon game. Great to see we've learnt from that experience.

West Coast applying pressure like it's a final, we're handling it likes it's one.

[Pickenitup]

Season looks shot if we lose we will be two Games out of the Eight with Hawks and Cats to come.
Cmon Dogs do what the Pies did today and turn it on .

[The Underdog]

Libba's 13 touches and nice goal is probably the only other.

Is it too early to put him in the leadership group?

On another topic, I'm unfamiliar with the vagaries of sports betting, but is it possible to bet on Lance Franklin to kick a shit-ton of goals next week?

[comrade]

Posters keep suggesting Lake shouldn't play due to form and fitness, and yet we play Higgins (missed 4 or so games?) and Williams (couldn't win a contest if he was the only one in it).

Grant is giving us nothing. Absoutely nothing.

Jones is presenting well and marking and kicking well. However, he's a 1 man forward line at the moment.

This side really is bad.

Mate, Lake doesn't want to play until he's fit. We're not playing him in the VFL because we want to.

You're a pessimistic supporter, I get that, and I always enjoy your analysis of how we're going but this is a team in transition. Your expectations are way too high for a team that has Markovic at full back, Jones at full forward and Liberatore in the guts.

It's the work rate and ability of the senior guys which worries me the most.

[JohnGentStand]

On a positive note we are still in it just (we shouldnt be)
That qtr was only a narrow loss... Cooney missing is hurting us as he is the one guy who can swing the momentum of a game quickly....
Do we have a forward capable of turning things around..? calling Murph & Merlin....we need you NOW

[LostDoggy]

We managed to keep Shuey and LeCras a bit quieter in the 2nd quarter but Embley, Kerr and Hurn stepped up , Markovic gave kennedy a more physical contest , Cross going back to help cut off the ball worked several times , Minson needs to give us a strong target up forward, Higgins could be Subbed for Moles

.

[The Underdog]

Posters keep suggesting Lake shouldn't play due to form and fitness, and yet we play Higgins (missed 4 or so games?) and Williams (couldn't win a contest if he was the only one in it).



Yes, but Higgin's wanted to play AFL football this week. Lake didn't want to play football at all.

[LostDoggy]

Why have we been giving away so many free kicks and making dumb errors. It hurts, especially when the team is already getting out played in every facet of the game.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

West Coast applying pressure like it's a final, we're handling it likes it's one.
HaHa!:D
It's funny cause it's true:(

[LostDoggy]

Who is playing on Kennedy?

[comrade]

West Coast applying pressure like it's a final, we're handling it likes it's one.

Not a semi final ;)

We really do need to come up with the next innovative 'game plan' or else we'll always be playing a catch-up, inferior facsimile.

The forward press game plan has us at 6s and 7s. We don't know how to defend or attack it - seeing Minson as a bail out handball option inside the centre square then turning around with no option inside 50, stopping, propping and then putting another teammate under the pump with a pressure handball is indicative of our complete lack of confidence in our system.

[LostDoggy]

Yes, but Higgin's wanted to play AFL football this week. Lake didn't want to play football at all.

Lake had a strong game for Williamstown but realistically is probably at least two weeks away, Hall had a solid hit out for Williamstown and slotted four and could be considered for the game against Hawthorn

.

[the banker]

Back structure all at sea on this ground. Space everywhere, one out contests. Markovic and Williams look very vulnerable. I would keep Murphy back - he reads the play and can give support. Put Picken forward.

Only chance is some exceptional centre clearances from Boyd and Libba bringing the runners in. Need Jones to kick 5 and a couple each from Sherman, Higgins ,Griffen and Gia.

[KT31]

Why have we been giving away so many free kicks and making dumb errors. It hurts, especially when the team is already getting out played in every facet of the game.

Kick outs

1. Stack out on the full - lucky Eagles player toched the shot.

2.Shaggy - plays on over the line. (10 year olds know better)

3. Gilbee - low pass into the corridor. Spoil and lucky for us another miss.

Not only lost our confidence but our football knowledge.

[The Pie Man]

While being ahead is obviously the preference, I'm not too disappointed with the 31 pt margin - very gettable - it's the manner in which we're playing.

Grant is a real concern, no sense of urgency, standing off a contest not willing to contribute. Williams has been very ordinary. Gia slow to react.

[comrade]

Williams is getting destroyed but you have to feel sorry for him. The lack of pressure on the kick in is amateurish and no one is working back to block the space.

What chance has the bloke got.

[The Underdog]

Lake had a strong game for Williamstown but realistically is probably at least two weeks away, Hall had a solid hit out for Williamstown and slotted four and could be considered for the game against Hawthorn

.

Reports I've seen weren't particularly complimentary about Lake's game or his interest in it.
Hall helps us with a target, but doesn't help from a forward pressure stand point. Not that it matters much if our mids play like this. He'll just be standing at CHF watching a car crash.

[LostDoggy]

As I posted a few weeks ago, Malthouse to finish where he started!!! This mob arent playing for Rocket. In saying that, I am not giving up hope in this game. Lose, and I cant see us catching the teams in the 8, let alone the 4.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Absolutely no idea what we're doing when we try to bring the ball out of defense. It's cringeworthy to watch.

[LostDoggy]

Posters keep suggesting Lake shouldn't play due to form and fitness, and yet we play Higgins (missed 4 or so games?) and Williams (couldn't win a contest if he was the only one in it).


Huge dIfference is lake doesn't want to play

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Mate, Lake doesn't want to play until he's fit. We're not playing him in the VFL because we want to.

You're a pessimistic supporter, I get that, and I always enjoy your analysis of how we're going but this is a team in transition. Your expectations are way too high for a team that has Markovic at full back, Jones at full forward and Liberatore in the guts.

It's the work rate and ability of the senior guys which worries me the most.

Pessimistic? I'm realistic.

I don't sugarcoat like a lot of posters on this forum. I don't accept crap effort and skill execution simply because "we're a side in transition" ... that's an excuse. Players like Williams, Giansiracusa, Griffen, Picken, Ward, Hudson, Minson and Grant should be doing a lot more than they are.

There's things you can control. Effort being one of them, discipine being the other. We're displaying neither in what is a pretty important game in the context of the season.

Jones and Libba are two of our best players and Stack has been OK too, so my expectations are that the senior players be able to play better than they are.

West Coast haven't suddenly injected elite disposal into their list, but they have injected 110% effort.


Yes, but Higgin's wanted to play AFL football this week. Lake didn't want to play football at all.

If Lake said he still didn't want to play this week, fine.

But why should Higgins/Wood play straight away without playing at Williamstown? I love both of these guys, but expecting them to contribute when they haven't played for 5+ weeks is clutching at straws. Even if one of them was to be used as the sub, and Moles to get a full game, that'd make more sense.

[MrMahatma]

Yes, but Higgin's wanted to play AFL football this week. Lake didn't want to play football at all.
And Higgins is a dead set liability today.

[LostDoggy]

BAM.we are on the board, that was hard work....................Cmon Dogs!!!!!!!!!!!

[JohnGentStand]

But why should Higgins/Wood play straight away without playing at Williamstown? I love both of these guys, but expecting them to contribute when they haven't played for 5+ weeks is clutching at straws. Even if one of them was to be used as the sub, and Moles to get a full game, that'd make more sense.


someone is making sense

[LostDoggy]

Good to start the second half with a goal.

[LostDoggy]

Higgins is a Dud

[LostDoggy]

Another one .Getalong Dogs

[The Underdog]

But why should Higgins/Wood play straight away without playing at Williamstown? I love both of these guys, but expecting them to contribute when they haven't played for 5+ weeks is clutching at straws. Even if one of them was to be used as the sub, and Moles to get a full game, that'd make more sense.

Fair enough, although I think their inclusion was more about lack of alternatives. Higgins may have given us bugger all but he is replacing Hill who gave us nothing. Don't disagree that Moles probably should have started and had Wood sub in.

[comrade]

Kennedy has matched our score.

[LostDoggy]

Is Williams playing on Kennedy?

[comrade]

Ward absolutely reamed by the umpires then. What do we have to do to get a call.

[Go_Dogs]

Ward absolutely reamed by the umpires then.

And injured too.... :mad:

[LostDoggy]

Libba goals, we needed that, we look slow. Gia is the most over rated player in our side

You mean underated. Only our fans would only notice his mistakes and disregard anything good he does.

[LostDoggy]

Their Sub Masten comes on and goals

Bring on Moles for Higgins , we need some fresh legs at BP , Picken can go to HF

.

[Rocco Jones]

Huge dIfference is lake doesn't want to play

I'd prefer Higgins not wanting to play at the moment. He is off now.

Remember when Higgins was seen as a gun? So disappointing. Some boxers have a glass jaw, Shaun has a glass body.

[Greystache]

Higgins is a Dud

Subbed out, and he's in the leadership group. :o

[Jasper]

Higgins subbed off, very happy for Shaun and club that Shaun wanted to play this week....as opposed to Lake who knows he isn't right and doesn't play. Why do people question Lake's committment when we see the outcome of playing underdone players...oh wait hang on didn't we see that with Higgins in last yrs final against the Pies??

[LostDoggy]

Well, those two goals have stuffed it now. Very poor performance by the dogs.

[GVGjr]

I always enjoy your analysis of how we're going but this is a team in transition. Your expectations are way too high for a team that has Markovic at full back, Jones at full forward and Liberatore in the guts.

It's the work rate and ability of the senior guys which worries me the most.

I know this is going to sound like a crack at the club but after 3 top 4 finishes and a president saying we had the side to go further I can't buy that we are a team in transition evening allowing something for injuries.
If we are, then a fair portion of this is of our own doing.

[MrMahatma]

We're getting out muscled as well.

We're really poor. Panic. Rushed. Miss tackles. Fumble. Pushed off the ball.

Not. Good. Enough.

[LostDoggy]

Far out this is horrendous.

[Prince Imperial]

A total debacle.

[Rocco Jones]

We look completely lost with the modern game. I know there's a lot of influential posters who won't have a bar of this but I think Eade is cooked.

[ledge]

We dont care and we are not playing as a team, the drums will be beating,

[Twodogs]

Far out this is horrendous.

That's about the nicest way you could put it.

[LostDoggy]

We................are nothing short of a disgrace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ledge]

And we thing WS will be bad, they will beat us

[MrMahatma]

We look completely lost with the modern game. I know there's a lot of influential posters who won't have a bar of this but I think Eade is cooked.
It's pretty stark.

Pies, Bomber, Eagles... anyone who can pressure the ball carrier completely destroys us.

There comes a point that you have to suggest it's tactics as much as anything. We're not equipped to handle the modern game.

[comrade]

I know this is going to sound like a crack at the club but after 3 top 4 finishes and a president saying we had the side to go further I can't buy that we are a team in transition evening allowing something for injuries.
If we are, then a fair portion of this is of our own doing.

In my eyes, Smorgon is a fan first, president second and is desperate to see us win a flag as anyone. He couldn't have imagined how much our personnel would change or anticipate the sudden decline of some of our senior players (Hudson, Gia, Gilbee).

We rolled the dice over the past 3 years to try and win a flag. They're so hard to win and we got close, but didn't get there. I don't begrudge them for having a crack (if that's what you imply when you say its out own doing).

[The Pie Man]

Interesting times.

The media blow-torch I suspect will be applied tomorrow, with a week of soul searching to follow. I can almost hear Mark Robinson talk about Eade's situation next year already

[Rocco Jones]

And we thing WS will be bad, they will beat us

You must think they will be bad if you are taking away Greater from their name.

I think we will smash GWS because we are utter flat track bullies.

[LostDoggy]

59 point lead , I just hope we don't completely drop off or this will get really ugly, Kennedy on track to get 12 or more

.

[JohnGentStand]

God I hate losing
Even so , this is disgusting.....absolutely no leadership, and I mean by example
Who do we have on our list that could be that player? S.O.S.

good goal Sherman!

[LostDoggy]

This is the most embarrassed I've been as a supporter for some time.

Something is rotting inside our club.

[GVGjr]

The way the Eagles have been able to score quickly is impressive. I had them penned as a bottom 4 side this year and have got it very wrong.

[comrade]

Something is rotting inside our club.

Yep, most of the guys drafted in 1999-2001. We've been up for a long time now but these guys haven't adjusted to the modern game (and it will only get worse until our kids come through).

Whether Eade is the man to bring them through and develop an innovative game plan that takes the competition by storm remains to be seen.

[MrMahatma]

You must think they will be bad if you are taking away Greater from their name.

I think we will smash GWS because we are utter flat track bullies.
We certainly are flat track bullies.

Classic dogs this is. Beat a young team in a shoot out, then come up against a well drilled, disciplined, bigger bodied team, and get completely destroyed.

[Go_Dogs]

I know this is going to sound like a crack at the club but after 3 top 4 finishes and a president saying we had the side to go further I can't buy that we are a team in transition evening allowing something for injuries.
If we are, then a fair portion of this is of our own doing.

Agreed.

How we attacked the trade period etc showed we believed our list was very much a top 4 list. We've had a few key players down and/or not playing, but our performance has been ordinary.

I think on balance our list is still quite good, and I have some confidence in the kids we have coming through. Problem is, most are some way off being consistent performers. Our senior core has not been good enough over the past few years and again we have a few too many who can't consistently perform to the level required.

[ReLoad]

This is so sad, we are just making up the numbers.

So i think its pretty clear now, that its cleanout time, with GWS coming in its a super crap time to rebuild, going to be damn hard work for a few years now :(

[Go_Dogs]

The way the Eagles have been able to score quickly is impressive. I had them penned as a bottom 4 side this year and have got it very wrong.

What do you think has been their big improving factor?

[GVGjr]

Interesting times.

The media blow-torch I suspect will be applied tomorrow, with a week of soul searching to follow. I can almost hear Mark Robinson talk about Eade's situation next year already

How many times can the club go down the sole searching road? Rocket has already had to defend a couple of times that the desire and commitment by the playing group was still there.

The explanation of this performance by Rocket and Smorgo will be a critical component of how we approach the balance of the season I would think.

[SlimPickens]

The way the Eagles have been able to score quickly is impressive. I had them penned as a bottom 4 side this year and have got it very wrong.

They have been very impressive, absolutely smashing us. Willing to tackle, pressure and run. I can't believe how poor we have been in almost every clearance situation.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

This is the most embarrassed I've been as a supporter for some time.

Something is rotting inside our club.

Last week Eade said to them to go out and play the way you like to play, attacking and with flair, change things up from the gameplan we've been trying to implement.

It looks lto a casual observer ike this week, now that Eade believes the players had go their mojo back, they've attempted to go back to the original game plan.

The players are either unwilling or unable to do it, or the plan is not tactically sound.

[LostDoggy]

We certainly are flat track bullies.

Classic dogs this is. Beat a young team in a shoot out, then come up against a well drilled, disciplined, bigger bodied team, and get completely destroyed.

Eventual success will only come from tough decisions by playing the young players and being prepared to sacrifice success to get experience into the group.

Unfortunately this would mean the old blokes need to go ..... but our club history shows that we aren't good at that and therefore we will continue to meander along.

[The Pie Man]

The way the Eagles have been able to score quickly is impressive. I had them penned as a bottom 4 side this year and have got it very wrong.

Agreed - as bad as we look, a lot of it has to be put down to how good West Coast all of a sudden are.

How many of us tipped the Eagles today? I did - I was realistically seeing another 'honourable' loss, more hoping for a W

[LostDoggy]

I thought they would win, but I always think Bulldogs will beat anyone

[G-Mo77]

Honestly did you expect anything else?

I went into this game knowing we were going to beaten pretty convincingly. You can throw any excuse out there to defend this team but the fact is we are simply not good enough.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Not to totally lay the blame on it, because we are also getting outplayed all over the ground, but boy there should be an enquiry into the different set of standards the umpires are applying to the two teams.

In particular the "late tackle/hit" free kicks. Natanui almost took Morris' head off in a shepherd too that was 10m off the ball. They don't need the extra help umpires.

[Rocco Jones]

Interesting times.

The media blow-torch I suspect will be applied tomorrow, with a week of soul searching to follow. I can almost hear Mark Robinson talk about Eade's situation next year already

And so he should be.

I normally spend most my time defending Rocket because I think his work has been generally under appreciated and is treated with ridiculous contempt on other internet forums (BF, FB, Herald Sun comments etc) but I definitely think he should be in trouble.

I remember when he first came to the club he was so anti-excuses, it was infectious, I now seem him as a massive deflector. It always seems to be someone else's fault.

We are a team that just seems to have missed the modern trends. We struggle greatly with the press and are pathetic with forward pressure.

His fans are very vocal here and we will hear how it's Lake's fault, we handle the injuries well over pre-season, it's a transition year etc but when does he actually become accountable? He screams at players and wonders why we lost the confidence to take risks.

He has admitted that he changed from the end of his tenure at Sydney, becoming more relaxed/positive. The end of Sydney days Rocket reminds me of the one now.

[Grantysghost]

I imagine Dean Laidley is printing out his cv about now

[GVGjr]

What do you think has been their big improving factor?

The way they have been able to manage so many big bodied talls in the side is impressive because we have in the main struggled with that.
They seem to have improved their skills a fair bit compared to last year plus their attack on their opponents is very good.
Within a season they have gotten back to what they were previously known for.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

How many times can the club go down the sole searching road? Rocket has already had to defend a couple of times that the desire and commitment by the playing group was still there.

The explanation of this performance by Rocket and Smorgo will be a critical component of how we approach the balance of the season I would think.

Indeed. With the Hawks, Cats coming up, I don't know what Eade needs to say. If he says the truth, then it's white flag up time. If he lies and talks about the resilience of the group he will be seen as masking the truth

[comrade]

This could be a 100 point drubbing.

[LostDoggy]

After today performance we are gone, its all over, cannot make the eight..............even Mr Smorgon is going to have to agree with that!

[LostDoggy]

That's about the nicest way you could put it.

I might have been banned if I used the words I wanted to.

We really struggle against a modern game style, maybe it is time for a new coach, I don't know who we could afford.

[FrediKanoute]

I imagine Dean Laidley is printing out his cv about now

God I hope not. Her was an awful coach.......seriously one of the worst tactical coaches ever.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

This whole group looks cooked. Hardly ANYONE is even bothering to work now. This will be a hundred point loss.
Eade can take some blame, but where is the pride from the players?

[LostDoggy]

This could be a 100 point drubbing.

Its certainly heading that way.

[Rocco Jones]

I might have been banned if I used the words I wanted to.

We really struggle against a modern game style, maybe it is time for a new coach, I don't know who we could afford.

That's a defence that I've read a lot of times from his fan group on here (not saying you're one). It's pretty depressing but if we can't afford anyone, he is the best 'cheap' option. I really hope that finances don't become a massive issue when deciding whether we keep him or not. Port kept Williams for those reasons and that blew up in their faces.

Ideally I would love to see Eade stay on as a list manager if we can only afford a rookie coach.

[LostDoggy]

Honestly, one of the worst regular season matches i can ever remember. I just don't understand how eagles players can be just so un-marked? 10 minutes left and that's plenty of time to get to 100 points.

The biggest question i get out of this game however, is how available is Paul Roos next season?

[MrMahatma]

After today performance we are gone, its all over, cannot make the eight..............even Mr Smorgon is going to have to agree with that!
Yep. And the worst thing is that we're about as far away from the top teams as any other side in the comp.

[LostDoggy]

Well, we brought in Higgins and Wood from injury and failed , it would have been interesting to bring in Djerrkura in the FP instead of Higgins, Mulligan in as a second CHB instead of Wood

bench could have been Hargrave, Moles , Giansiracusa Sub Hill

Now we copping a 100+ point smashing and some questions will asked , hard game against Hawthorn next week

.

[w3design]

I don't recall being so embarrassed by a performance since the 08 final against the hawks.

This week will be ugly, and the criticism and mocking dished up to our club will be well deserved.

[The Pie Man]

Here's an interesting stat (well at least I found it so)

Roughly 10 mins into 3rd qtr, we were down by 22 points.

With just over 10 mins left in the last, we're down by 90. 11+ goals down in a little over a quarter. Getting done by 50 contested possessions too.

Beyond ugly

[Flamethrower]

Collingwood v West Coast next week - a Grand Final preview perhaps?

[Stefcep]

The coach needs to go. He's either picked the wrong list for the game he wants to play, or he has a shit game plan, or no game plan (what it looks like) or he can't get the message through to the players. This team under Eade will finish about 12th.

[comrade]

Roughy's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Will is our best tap ruck man and has rotted in the forward 50 for most of the day - an absolute waste.

Against a couple of babies, Huddo was good last week but against two genuine big-bodied rucks, he has been decimated today and the end seems near.

Is Cordy ready to come in as a mobile pinch hitting ruck to support Will?

[GVGjr]

We really struggle against a modern game style, maybe it is time for a new coach, I don't know who we could afford.

Money is not the inhibiting factor most believe it to be. Rockets well paid and there would a long queue if the position came up but I'm not writing him off in any way.

[Greystache]

They have been very impressive, absolutely smashing us. Willing to tackle, pressure and run. I can't believe how poor we have been in almost every clearance situation.

Basically they're playing modern footy, we're stuck in a timewarp of 2008.

I watched us doing match simulations and in practice matches during the preseason and thought I must have missed something, we seemed unconcerned about the press and defensive pressure. The only thing I could see us working on was run and carry under minimal pressure, it felt at the time we were missing the point and I haven't seen anything since to quel my fears.

[GVGjr]

Roughy's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Will is our best tap ruck man and has rotted in the forward 50 for most of the day - an absolute waste.

Against a couple of babies, Huddo was good last week but against two genuine big-bodied rucks, he has been decimated today and the end seems near.

Is Cordy ready to come in as a mobile pinch hitting ruck to support Will?

Agree with both points but I'd hope we don't rush Cordy.

[Kelso @ Mt Eliza]

I called for a change in coach after the collingwood game and many of you did not support the idea - there is no where to hide now rocket - and I will laugh if I hear anymore excuses in support of our current coaching structure from any of you. Rodney, you are now exposed for the lack of ideas/talent and structure that you are bringing to the table. Time after time, we play a well organised zone, and we crumble.. we have no way to combat the forward pressure and everybody knows it... what makes me laugh is that the guy coaching our team does nothing to change the pattern of our play. I feel like I am in the minority with this view.. wake up to yourself readers.. challenge your thinking in our current direction as a club.. i can hear fellow supporters now ' rallying' behind rocket and the troops.. if this is the case.. i say harden up.. and do not accept such mediocrity... seems we are destined for it.. looking forward to the new coach....

[Go_Dogs]

They seem to have improved their skills a fair bit compared to last year plus their attack on their opponents is very good.
Within a season they have gotten back to what they were previously known for.

Can't disagree with any of that, I just wonder where the sudden improvement has come from?

I know they had a few injuries last year, but the side is essentially the same and I wouldn't call many of their players elite users (much like the Essendon midfield). They work to a plan and because of the pressure they exert on their opposition they always seem to have heaps of time to make decisions and numbers at the contest.


Also agree with your point re: talls. Collingwood and Essendon have also done this to good effect over the first 9 rounds and for some reason all 3 sides can get away playing taller than a lot of other sides like to.

[comrade]

Agree with both points but I'd hope we don't rush Cordy.

What are our options?

[LostDoggy]

That's a defence that I've read a lot of times from his fan group on here (not saying you're one). It's pretty depressing but if we can't afford anyone, he is the best 'cheap' option. I really hope that finances don't become a massive issue when deciding whether we keep him or not. Port kept Williams for those reasons and that blew up in their faces.

Ideally I would love to see Eade stay on as a list manager if we can only afford a rookie coach.

To be honest I have said previously that he is the best we can afford and a great coach but today's full team effort suggests a management issue, the score is not indicative of the talent difference, it can't be.
Could we afford Roos or is there a clever young man available? I would go the latter.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

This whole group looks cooked. Hardly ANYONE is even bothering to work now. This will be a hundred point loss.
Eade can take some blame, but where is the pride from the players?

Correct I would be happy to see someone get reported and use the excess they were frustrated, just do somebloody thing!:mad:

[ledge]

I know who the bottom 4 side is .....

[kruder]

It's good that Hill is not in the side as the match committee cant blame him for the loss!!!!!

Maybe they may actually look at the senior group?? Or will a Eade again come out and talk about the belief that the group has and back them in to respond.

IMO something should have been done after the disgraceful first loss of the season which unfortunately has set the tone for the year.

Time for a change.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Roughy's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Will is our best tap ruck man and has rotted in the forward 50 for most of the day - an absolute waste.

Against a couple of babies, Huddo was good last week but against two genuine big-bodied rucks, he has been decimated today and the end seems near.

Is Cordy ready to come in as a mobile pinch hitting ruck to support Will?

The clubs ability to get Cordy ready or otherwise acquire a mobile ruckman is going to be pivotal in deciding how quickly we are able as a club to rebound and compete.
Whilst we have seemingly plenty of decifiencies as a team right now, our inability to compete with teams that have mobile skillful ruckmen is a big part of our problem.

It doesn't look like Cordy is anywhere near ready at the moment but at some stage this season I hope he pushes for selection.

[comrade]

The only enjoyment I get out of Kennedy kicking 10 is knowing how much it would upset Carlton fans :D

[LostDoggy]

Collingwood v West Coast next week - a Grand Final preview perhaps?

They're not that good. Scary for us.

[comrade]

They're not that good. Scary for us.

They lost to Essendon who lost to Richmond who we beat comfortably. Weird.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Is Cordy ready to come in as a mobile pinch hitting ruck to support Will?

Do you really think Rocket and the match committee has the @!#% to drop Huddo?

From todays game we should just drop anyone who will pot be part of the play for 2012 and play the kids.

I hate saying that but what else can we salvage from this crap?

[The Underdog]

and do not accept such mediocrity...

Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding
Today's winner

[Rance Fan]

Tackling non exsistent

[comrade]

Embarrassing missed tackle by Boyd on the younger Smith.

We've been physically mauled. They've had over 40 scoring shots to our 12. Those stats are unbelievable.

[always right]

I called for a change in coach after the collingwood game and many of you did not support the idea - there is no where to hide now rocket - and I will laugh if I hear anymore excuses in support of our current coaching structure from any of you. Rodney, you are now exposed for the lack of ideas/talent and structure that you are bringing to the table. Time after time, we play a well organised zone, and we crumble.. we have no way to combat the forward pressure and everybody knows it... what makes me laugh is that the guy coaching our team does nothing to change the pattern of our play. I feel like I am in the minority with this view.. wake up to yourself readers.. challenge your thinking in our current direction as a club.. i can hear fellow supporters now ' rallying' behind rocket and the troops.. if this is the case.. i say harden up.. and do not accept such mediocrity... seems we are destined for it.. looking forward to the new coach....

Congratulations on your foresight after round one. We are in awe.

Other than that, can't disagree.

[GVGjr]

What are our options?

For the short term not much but our list management from a couple of seasons back is the reason why we aren't flush with options.

[Drunken Bum]

Roughy's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Will is our best tap ruck man and has rotted in the forward 50 for most of the day - an absolute waste.

Against a couple of babies, Huddo was good last week but against two genuine big-bodied rucks, he has been decimated today and the end seems near.

Is Cordy ready to come in as a mobile pinch hitting ruck to support Will?

Have been thinking this myself. Is it maybe time to have Minno rucking most of the day and using Barlow as Rocco's mobile part timer? I wouldn't throw Cordy in there too early personally but Huddo is cooked, we have to get some game time into Minno as a no.1 ruck i think. Huddo should be just back up in case of injury for the rest of the year.

This isn't a potshot at Huddo either, i love him and what he brought to the club but we have to look at the future and now is Minsons time.

[FrediKanoute]

Lets hold the gun for a minute. Yep its poor. Yep its a horrible, but look at the list we are playing with....today there is no Cooney, No Lake and No Bazza.......that's 3 starters who would/should make a difference.

The whole season has been interrupted and we haven't been able to get our best 22 on the park. Yes we have some tactical issues, but tbh, I don't think its just the coach. We are playing a very inexperienced team. Jones, Grant, Stack, Marcovic, Williams, Libba, Wallis, Moles, Wood and Ward etc are all young players with limited experience.

This year may well be a writeoff, but I see it more of a pause.....we are seeing a changing of the guard and after 3 Prelim's, we are seeing the emergence/decline of players in the team. For mine Eade should be applauded for playing the kids and getting games into them. We will have a mass exodus of players in 2 or 3 years time and if we don't get the young kids to step up then we are in a world of trouble!

Replacing Eade......I read lots of posts saying we should get Malthouse or we should get Roos etc......if money was no object then yeah, maybe......but to be honest money is a reality and the reality is we can't afford them. So who does that leave us with? A failed coach like Laidley? An untried coach like Cameron? A coach who has had mixed succuss at another club like Bailey or Alison? None of these guys fill me with a whole host of confidence. I'd give eade another season to reap the rewards of thus year and if there is no change then maybe i would look to change.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

I called for a change in coach after the collingwood game and many of you did not support the idea - there is no where to hide now rocket - and I will laugh if I hear anymore excuses in support of our current coaching structure from any of you. Rodney, you are now exposed for the lack of ideas/talent and structure that you are bringing to the table. Time after time, we play a well organised zone, and we crumble.. we have no way to combat the forward pressure and everybody knows it... what makes me laugh is that the guy coaching our team does nothing to change the pattern of our play. I feel like I am in the minority with this view.. wake up to yourself readers.. challenge your thinking in our current direction as a club.. i can hear fellow supporters now ' rallying' behind rocket and the troops.. if this is the case.. i say harden up.. and do not accept such mediocrity... seems we are destined for it.. looking forward to the new coach....

Correct I'm guilty!

Lets just show some guts and get stuck into the lads, time to even tip out the leadership group and tell them we will pick a new lot next year.

[comrade]

For the short term not much but our list management from a couple of seasons back is the reason why we aren't flush with options.

We took mobile ruckmen with 2 of our first 3 picks in 2008. They've been by decimated by injury since they were drafted and had they had a clean run at it, we'd have some options perfectly suited to the modern game.

Pretty hard to judge the list management when it comes to our ruck situation.

[GVGjr]

Have been thinking this myself. Is it maybe time to have Minno rucking most of the day and using Barlow as Rocco's mobile part timer? I wouldn't throw Cordy in there too early personally but Huddo is cooked, we have to get some game time into Minno as a no.1 ruck i think. Huddo should be just back up in case of injury for the rest of the year.

This isn't a potshot at Huddo either, i love him and what he brought to the club but we have to look at the future and now is Minsons time.

With Hargrave back this can't be done at the moment.
If we lose against the Hawks next week would we really want to fill a spot with Barlow after round 11?

[Templeton31]

that was abysmal. particularly last quarter. season over.

[ledge]

Well the club can hardly ask for more members to join after this

[Doggy]

Thank god that's over

[SonofScray]

Frustration levels are going through the roof. I do not want to go through another few years of insipid football, I want a premiership. Not another false dawn, I want a team in red, white and blue to make their mark and etch their names in history. I'll never not show up, or pay my membership etc but geez we deserve better.

This group, under current leadership and whatever trademarks they invest in will never do it. Change one the the leadership, the trademarks, the personnel. As a Club we need to find out exactly what it is about our team that seems to be stuck and never take that extra step, never stamps themselves as elite.

I would love to see some real heat turned on the Club right now. No excuses, no spin, some real hard home truths from all angles. Do something.

[LostDoggy]

They lost to Essendon who lost to Richmond who we beat comfortably. Weird.


Yep. And the worst thing is that we're about as far away from the top teams as any other side in the comp.

These two say it all.
Below Geelong and Collingwood the other teams are just unconsistent. Showing glimpses of qualitiy.

[comrade]

With Hargrave back this can't be done at the moment.
If we lose against the Hawks next week would we really want to fill a spot with Barlow after round 11?

Roughy's injury could be an 8 week plus. Would that allow us to upgrade a rookie now (Barlow to play as a pinch hitting ruck for example), and another after round 11 (Dahlhaus for example)?

IMO, upgrading Barlow won't make any difference and I can't see him helping us move forward. But what do I know.

[ledge]

I like to think I am pretty patient and dont like to comment after a loss but there comes a time ......

[LostDoggy]

So where is Mantis, what have you got to say about a top four team last year, being smashed by the wooden spooners from last year???? More defensive excuses I suppose.

Love Rocket, he has fulfilled his purpose but it is time to go. The recruitment team needs to be reviewed, we recruit Everett and the Tigers recruit Riewoldt after our pick.

The development of our players is behind every other team, they are skinny, lacking in confidence, lacking in leadership, and until supporters like Mantis stop support mediocrity, we will always be the support act for the star teams.

[LostDoggy]

It's hard to fly with Eagles when you play like Turkeys

Totally destroyed , media pressure on the Club this week will be hard to take

MC will have their work cut out to make some changes for the game against Hawthorn

.

[The Underdog]

but geez we deserve better.



I've never understood this theory that we deserve something. You follow it because you love it. Isn't that the point. It doesn't owe you anything.
Don't get me wrong, I'd be beside myself with joy if we ever win a premiership, and today friggin hurts for all its connotations, but to say we as supporters deserve something that we don't in fact earn, is a fallacy as far as I'm concerned.

[GVGjr]

We took mobile ruckmen with 2 of our first 3 picks in 2008. They've been by decimated by injury since they were drafted and had they had a clean run at it, we'd have some options perfectly suited to the modern game.

Pretty hard to judge the list management when it comes to our ruck situation.

Basically that was the year I wanted us to cut deeper into the list knowing that compromised drafts were heading our way and allowing for our commitments to Wallis and Libertore a couple of seasons later.

We took Cordy as a 4 or 5 year development player with no real expectations before then. If we had taken Port's Jackson Trengove instead of Cordy for example we would have had that 2nd part time ruckman that's quite fashionable now and had someone to pinch hit as a tall defender or forward.

[The Pie Man]

I can't remember saying/writing this in his career - I feel I regularly defend him when discussing footy with my family - but what was with Tom Williams today?

That last handball to Griffen was one of the dumbest things I've seen done on a footy field. He went to ground easily, couldn't stick tackles...it was just awful.

[Chicago1]

I would like to thank the Western Bulldogs for saving me over US$2000. Today's result ensures that I will not be returning to Melbourne in September. In fact it's days like this that I'm glad that I'm 10000 miles away and won't have to put up with the crap that you, my fellow Doggie supporters in Melbourne, will have to endure this week.

I am inconsolable. :( *tears*

Stay strong.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Am I still seen as an overly harsh poster?

That performance speaks for itself.

There are no excuses. Changes need to be made both from a coaching and playing perspective, but I highly doubt we'll do either.

[GVGjr]

Roughy's injury could be an 8 week plus. Would that allow us to upgrade a rookie now (Barlow to play as a pinch hitting ruck for example), and another after round 11 (Dahlhaus for example)?

IMO, upgrading Barlow won't make any difference and I can't see him helping us move forward. But what do I know.

I'm sort of hoping that Roughy will be OK but I suppose it will be an option.

[The Underdog]

So where is Mantis, what have you got to say about a top four team last year, being smashed by the wooden spooners from last year???? More defensive excuses I suppose.



That's just unnecessary.

[LostDoggy]

I would like to thank the Western Bulldogs for saving me over US$2000. Today's result ensures that I will not be returning to Melbourne in September. In fact it's days like this that I'm glad that I'm 10000 miles away and won't have to put up with the crap that you, my fellow Doggie supporters in Melbourne, will have to endure this week.

I am inconsolable. :( *tears*

Stay strong.

Hope your Bulls do better Tomorrow????

[always right]

I can't remember saying/writing this in his career - I feel I regularly defend him when discussing footy with my family - but what was with Tom Williams today?

That last handball to Griffen was one of the dumbest things I've seen done on a footy field. He went to ground easily, couldn't stick tackles...it was just awful.

He was really found out today......took two steps back after showing promising signs this year.......and what was with Shaggy today?

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Lets hold the gun for a minute. Yep its poor. Yep its a horrible, but look at the list we are playing with....today there is no Cooney, No Lake and No Bazza.......that's 3 starters who would/should make a difference..

So the match committee put the best side on the park available too them, the 3 you mention are not worth 12 goals to our side, something is wrong and it starts at the top. if you are going to field an underman side state it prior to the game and at least demand they put their head over the ball and their body on the line.

I love this club but just cant understand why we fail when it comes to crush games, yes 3 prelims and a game today that should have been ours, heart body and souls is what we need,
no more excuses or blind faith, we need to have 22 goers on the field and if they are injured don't play them.

You will be judged by your side performance Rocket

[LostDoggy]

I stopped watching. Then I came back and looked at the score. Wow, we've really outdone ourselves this week!

[The Underdog]

Am I still seen as an overly harsh poster?

That performance speaks for itself.

There are no excuses. Changes need to be made both from a coaching and playing perspective, but I highly doubt we'll do either.

We're pretty limited as to what we can do on both fronts.
I don't think there are any internal candidates who are seen as future coaches so there's not much point sacking Eade in season.
Our depth just isn't strong enough, especially considering the injuries we have to make a bunch of wholesale changes to the team.

I'm not saying changes don't need to happen, they definitely do, just that it probably will happen after round 22.

[comrade]

So where is Mantis, what have you got to say about a top four team last year, being smashed by the wooden spooners from last year???? More defensive excuses I suppose.

Love Rocket, he has fulfilled his purpose but it is time to go. The recruitment team needs to be reviewed, we recruit Everett and the Tigers recruit Riewoldt after our pick.

The development of our players is behind every other team, they are skinny, lacking in confidence, lacking in leadership, and until supporters like Mantis stop support mediocrity, we will always be the support act for the star teams.

Completely ridiculous overly emotional post which is your trademark. Have you really returned just to post this and have a crack at another poster?

[LostDoggy]

That's just unnecessary.

Mantis doesn't mind sticking the boots in i'm sure he will be able to handle it.

[Rance Fan]

Williams - was he our 1st rd draft pick a few seasons ago?
Dont think that choice has payed dividends.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

So where is Mantis, what have you got to say about a top four team last year, being smashed by the wooden spooners from last year???? More defensive excuses I suppose.

Love Rocket, he has fulfilled his purpose but it is time to go. The recruitment team needs to be reviewed, we recruit Everett and the Tigers recruit Riewoldt after our pick.

The development of our players is behind every other team, they are skinny, lacking in confidence, lacking in leadership, and until supporters like Mantis stop support mediocrity, we will always be the support act for the star teams.

Ding Ding Ding, and there is our second prize winner for the day.

Seriously guys, how the heck does our opinions one way or the other on anything have to do with the club's direction.

What do you want us to en masse storm Whitten Oval and burn the place to the ground?

[always right]

So where is Mantis, what have you got to say about a top four team last year, being smashed by the wooden spooners from last year???? More defensive excuses I suppose.

Grow up.

[GVGjr]

Am I still seen as an overly harsh poster?

That performance speaks for itself.

There are no excuses. Changes need to be made both from a coaching and playing perspective, but I highly doubt we'll do either.

Not by me :)

[Drunken Bum]

IMO, upgrading Barlow won't make any difference and I can't see him helping us move forward. But what do I know.

My point was more about getting time into Will as no.1 ruck rather than Barlow making a difference, he was just the first one to pop into my head seeing as Roughy is injured and Cordy prob not ready yet. I would prob prefer Dollhouse to get promoted and play than Barlow if it was just about them two but this situation is a little different because it's involving the rucks i think.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Williams - was he our 1st rd draft pick a few seasons ago?
Dont think that choice has payed dividends.

Ah the old game of drafting in hindisght... it's a lovely game to play, but of no value whatsoever.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

We're pretty limited as to what we can do on both fronts.
I don't think there are any internal candidates who are seen as future coaches so there's not much point sacking Eade in season.
Our depth just isn't strong enough, especially considering the injuries we have to make a bunch of wholesale changes to the team.

I'm not saying changes don't need to happen, they definitely do, just that it probably will happen after round 22.

Yep, sorry, should have explained that I was referring to the end of the year too.

[The Underdog]

Mantis doesn't mind sticking the boots in i'm sure he will be able to handle it.

It doesn't make it right.

[ReLoad]

So, lets do like we have done every year, sit down witht he footy record and put a red line through players on our list.

Who makes for good trade bait?
Who is going to get us nothing on the trade table?
Who is a keeper?

I'm happy to offload half the team to GWS right now for a few draft picks.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

I can't remember saying/writing this in his career - I feel I regularly defend him when discussing footy with my family - but what was with Tom Williams today?

That last handball to Griffen was one of the dumbest things I've seen done on a footy field. He went to ground easily, couldn't stick tackles...it was just awful.

You know what I bet you he comes out next week and gets the Job done on Franklin, It will give us all hope again and then we will be let down in the coming weeks....sound familiar

[comrade]

Basically that was the year I wanted us to cut deeper into the list knowing that compromised drafts were heading our way and allowing for our commitments to Wallis and Libertore a couple of seasons later.

We took Cordy as a 4 or 5 year development player with no real expectations before then. If we had taken Port's Jackson Trengove instead of Cordy for example we would have had that 2nd part time ruckman that's quite fashionable now and had someone to pinch hit as a tall defender or forward.

Had we known that the AFL were to radically change the rules of the game within 3 years we may have taken a different tact.

I agree that we should have cut deeper that year but not necessarily for other ruckman.

[Chicago1]

If only The Rapture would have occurred as predicted, we wouldn't be in this mess now would we? :p

[Rance Fan]

Ah the old game of drafting in hindisght... it's a lovely game to play, but of no value whatsoever.

No value like Williams game today!

[GVGjr]

So where is Mantis, what have you got to say about a top four team last year, being smashed by the wooden spooners from last year???? More defensive excuses I suppose.

Love Rocket, he has fulfilled his purpose but it is time to go. The recruitment team needs to be reviewed, we recruit Everett and the Tigers recruit Riewoldt after our pick.

The development of our players is behind every other team, they are skinny, lacking in confidence, lacking in leadership, and until supporters like Mantis stop support mediocrity, we will always be the support act for the star teams.

Not sure there is a need to make this personal. Some of the questions and points you have raised are very valid but it runs the risk of coming across as sour grapes with the references to another contributor.

Whilst Mantis is a strong supporter of the coach you are drawing a long bow saying that he accepts mediocrity because of it.

[Evel]

Terrible game to watch. I won't start ranting on who to sack or who to delist, like everyone else feeling pretty emotional about the biggest loss I've seen since round 2 1996 (shivers down spine).

While I want to remain objective, one thing that craps the hell out of me and I lose all sense of reason is when I see opposition players laughing and smiling about how easy it is. Kerr in the 2nd qtr, LeCras in the last, in was party time and we were the buffet. Even go back to Sidebottom in the Collingwood game, but at least we came back (albeit briefly). Even if you're losing, make them earn it!! I hate the team being shamed in such a way.